1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder LWB

It lacks reasonable weatherproofing, rusts easily, and has a chassis that is way too flexible, but the California Spyder proves that people will always buy beauty and performance over practicality

Convincing Enzo Ferrari to produce an open version of the highly successful competition 250 GT Berlinetta was an effort credited to the famous American Ferrari importer and driver Luigi Chinetti. The resultant “Spyder California,” with mechanical specification very similar to the 250 GT Tour de France, was clearly aimed at the American market. The incredible Pininfarina design was built by Scaglietti, and provided an elegant two-seater sports car that has to this day lost none of its appeal. California chassis number 1217 was first purchased by Swiss racing great Jo Siffert. Under Mr. Siffert’s ownership the original drum brake configuration was converted to a more effective and desirable disc brake setup. Changing ownership through Rob de la Rive Box of Switzerland, the car then came to the United States under the ownership of Mr. Richard Merritt, the well-respected Ferrari collector and historian. At the time S/N 1217 was fitted with engine number 2057,...